Wed Sep 25 05:54:18 UTC 2024: ## Mumbai’s First Fully Underground Metro Line Set to Open in October
**Mumbai, India (September 25, 2024)** – Mumbai’s highly anticipated Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, is set to launch its first phase in the first week of October. This marks a significant milestone for the city’s public transport system, as it will be the first fully underground metro line in Mumbai.
The initial phase will run for 12.5 km between the business hub of Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Aarey, with crucial stops at both terminals of Mumbai’s international airport (T1 and T2). This new line will significantly improve connectivity to areas previously lacking direct access to the airport, including BKC.
According to Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), the line is currently undergoing final inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety. The MMRC anticipates the line will reduce travel time by half, easing congestion and providing a more efficient transportation option for commuters.
The Aqua Line will feature nine stations, including: BKC, Bandra Colony, Santacruz Metro, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport-T1, Sahar Road, T2, Marol Naka, MIDC-Andheri, and Aarey. The line itself is situated 28 feet underground, comprised of twin tunnels, each with a diameter of 5.5 meters.
The MMRC plans to operate nine trains on the stretch, with 96 round trips per day. Each train will have a capacity of 2,500 passengers, and trains will run at a frequency of approximately 6.5 minutes. The first phase is expected to accommodate between 4.5 to 6.5 lakh passengers daily.
First Piper 